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Monday, August 31, 2009

The Walt Disney Company said Monday that it would buy the comic book giant Marvel Entertainment for about $4 billion.

Under the terms of the deal, Marvel shareholders will receive a $30 a share in cash plus about 0.745 Disney shares for each Marvel share they own. The boards of both companies have approved the deal, which was valued at $50 a share.

With the acquisition, Disney will acquire more than 5,000 Marvel characters.

“We believe that adding Marvel to Disney’s unique portfolio of brands provides significant opportunities for long-term growth and value creation,” the chief executive of Disney, Robert A. Iger, said in a statement.

Ike Perlmutter, Marvel’s chief executive, said: “Disney is the perfect home for Marvel’s fantastic library of characters given its proven ability to expand content creation and licensing businesses. This is an unparalleled opportunity for Marvel to build upon its vibrant brand and character properties by accessing Disney’s tremendous global organization and infrastructure around the world.”

Mr. Perlmutter will oversee the Marvel properties, and will work directly with Disney’s global lines of business to build and further integrate Marvel’s properties.

Thursday, August 27, 2009

Walt Disney Imagineering is the master planning, creative development, design, engineering, production, project management, and research and development arm of The Walt Disney Company and its affiliates. Representing more than 140 disciplines, its talented corps of Imagineers is responsible for the creation of Disney resorts, theme parks and attractions, hotels, water parks, regional entertainment venues, cruise ships and new media technology projects.

PAPENBURG, GERMANY (August 26, 2009) – Today, Disney Cruise Line celebrated the keel laying of the Disney Dream, the first of two newly-designed ships destined to expand family cruise options to more people in more places around the world.

“Since our inception, families have come to know and love Disney Cruise Line, and they are looking for additional ways to enjoy all that we have to offer,” Disney Cruise Line President Karl Holz said during the ceremony at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany. “Our fleet expansion will allow us to satisfy demand on both the East and West coasts of the United States while also giving us the flexibility to explore additional global destinations for our Guests.”

The keel laying ceremony is the first time the Disney Dream will begin to take shape after many years of design work. In the maritime industry, the ceremony marks a momentous occasion when the first block – or section – of the ship is lowered into the building dock and a coin is placed under the keel for good fortune.

Doing the honors of placing the coin was Captain Tom Forberg. With a distinguished maritime career aboard Disney Cruise Line, Forberg was the first crew member hired and the captain who launched the Disney Magic and the Disney Wonder. Recently, Forberg was named as the future Master of the Disney Dream.

The ship will continue to take its form through a block construction process in which pre-fabricated complete hull sections are joined together in block units and are then brought together to form the ship. The Disney Dream will be made up of 80 blocks, with the first block weighing in at approximately 380 tons.

Designing the Disney Dream

The Disney Dream is scheduled to join the current fleet in 2011, followed by Disney’s second new ship, the Disney Fantasy in 2012. Together the two new ocean liners will more than double the capacity of Disney Cruise Line, each having 1,250 staterooms and a tonnage of 128,000.

Bringing together innovation in superb shipbuilding and creativity in imaginative storytelling, Disney Cruise Line and Walt Disney Imagineering, along with the Meyer Werft shipyard have created a truly distinctive design. Like the existing ships, these ocean liners were designed to deliver a unique vacation that every member of the family believes was created just for them. Design details will be revealed later this fall.

Synonymous with its name, the Disney Dream will evoke the unique heritage of the company’s ideals in creating enchanting places and stories where families’ vacation dreams come true.

Homeports

Both new ocean liners will call Port Canaveral, Fla., their home, where expansion efforts are underway to accommodate the larger ships and additional guests. In addition to an extension of the dock and enlargements to the one-of-a-kind Disney terminal building, a new multi-level parking structure will be built, complementing the design and storytelling elements of the ships. The new enhancements will provide guests an even more seamless transition from land to sea during their vacation experience.

Disney Cruise Line also recently announced that the Disney Wonder will operate from the Port of Los Angeles starting in 2011.

Future Itineraries

In addition to the new ships, Disney Cruise Line continues to expand itineraries, with plans to once again sail the Mediterranean region aboard the Disney Magic during the summer of 2010. In addition to the popular ports in Spain, Italy and France, the ship will visit Tunis, in Northern Africa, the island nation of Malta and Corsica. Disney Magic will also visit the historic cities of Northern Europe for the first time calling on Warnemunde, Germany, the gateway to Berlin and St. Petersburg, Russia. Enchanting Scandinavian ports like Oslo, Copenhagen and Stockholm, will also be a first for Disney.

Holz noted that the company will begin to announce some itineraries for 2011 in September during the D23 EXPO, the ultimate fan experience where the entire world of Disney will come together under one roof at the Anaheim Convention Center in California.

Based in Celebration, Fla., Disney Cruise Line established the family cruise market when it launched its business in 1998. Recently the line was named the best large cruise ship for families by Travel + Leisure magazine in its annual readers’ poll.

(Hong Kong, August 26 2009) At a confidential briefing today, Hong Kong Disneyland shared with the press an interim report on the imminent invasion by a dark force, with Tomorrowland at the epicenter of an alien attack. From September 18 to October 31, those who dare can visit Hong Kong Disneyland and find out the true secret behind the Alien Invasion.

Alien Invasion at TomorrowlandEvery September, an ever-growing dark force spreads all over Hong Kong Disneyland. Nobody has ever uncovered the truth about its origins and intentions. In an attempt to solve the mystery, the Park turned to the elite “Alien Intelligence Agency”.

The Agency reported that a gigantic spaceship has landed inside Hong Kong Disneyland with signs of alien life detected onboard. Preliminary investigations show that these extra-terrestrials have sinister intentions. According to some witnesses who claim to have been abducted by these aliens, a chilling atmosphere permeates the vast interior of the ship with scary factors at every turn for those who dare to set foot on the spaceship.

Strongest Dark Force Invasion EverThis mysterious dark force has resulted in the resurrection of two major spine-chilling attractions at the Park – ghostly souls lurk in the Main Street Haunted Hotel, and explorers have gone missing in the Demon Jungle. The spooky sensation will continue throughout the Park as the Glow in the Park Halloween Parade rocks the Park everyday. The horror continues as ghastly ghosts and ghouls lie in wait at Space Mountain – Ghost Galaxy.

Guests who are brave enough can capture spooky moments with Disney Villains including Pumpkin Men, Gatekeepers and Pirates at Scary Photo Fun locations. At Haunting Memories with Your Disney Friends, Guests will meet their favorite Disney Characters wearing their spooky Halloween costumes including Mickey Mouse and Jack and Sally from Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas.

“Hong Kong Disneyland’s Haunted Halloween, which is starting a week earlier this year, is offering more scary fun than ever before. From the moment they set foot in the Park, Guests will feel the frightful fun of Halloween, thanks to the top-notch technology, glowing décor and eerie special effects. They will experience a quality performance that will make them scream with excitement,” said Frederick Chan, Director of Marketing, Hong Kong Business, Hong Kong Disneyland Resort.

“To ensure that more people can enjoy the Haunted Halloween at Hong Kong Disneyland, the Park has launched a wide range of ticket options to provide more flexibility for Guests planning their Halloween activities. Guests will be able to choose from two types of evening tickets. No matter how they want to plan their schedule, Hong Kong Disneyland is ready to thrill them this Halloween,” Chan added.

More Ticket Options for Guests to Explore Haunted HalloweenHong Kong Disneyland is calling for Guests who dare to visit the alien species, investigate the crash site and explore the new Alien Invasion. There are more ticket options for adventurous Guests this year with special Evening Tickets beginning at HK$228. Guests will be able to enjoy a thrilling experience at the Park from 6:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

Those who wish to enjoy a full day of scare may purchase One Day Tickets, allowing them to explore the eerie attractions of Hong Kong Disneyland from morning till the Park closes.

Investigate the Dark Force on a Haunted TourOur brave Guests may wish to take a walk on the dark side of Hong Kong Disneyland with the all new Haunted Tours. Be warned, this is not for the faint hearted. The tour package starts at HK$1,688. Disney tour hosts will customize the experience for each group including priority entrance to the Haunted Houses and Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy. The tours even come with a special meet-and-greet session with Disney Character where Guests can snap pictures to capture the dark side of their favorite Disney friend.

Dark Force Seeps into F&B and MerchandiseThe ubiquitous dark force has found its way into the food and beverage offerings across the Hong Kong Disneyland Resort. Guests can feed on delicious ghoulish themed food and beverages. Guests will also be able to take a piece of the frightful fun home with them as over 160 Halloween merchandise items including “The Nightmare Before Christmas” and Mickey Family themed merchandise will be available.

The two Disney-themed hotels have also arranged special activities for kids so they can take part in the excitement of Halloween. Hong Kong Residents can also explore a Haunted Weekend Vacation, enjoy one-night hotel stay & supper at the starting price of HK$659 per person.

Hong Kong Disneyland Haunted Halloween Evening Tickets can be purchased from now through the following channels: the Ticket Booths at the Main Entrance of the Hong Kong Disneyland Park, the front desks of the Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel and Disney’s Hollywood Hotel, the Hong Kong Disneyland Ticket Express at MTR Hong Kong Station and the Hong Kong Disneyland Ticketing Booth at the Peak Tower. Evening Tickets will also be available for purchase at selected Circle K outlets starting September 1 and online at www.hongkongdisneyland.com beginning September 3.

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

ANAHEIM, Calif. (Aug. 24, 2009) - A full field of more than 18,000 participants is gearing up for the fourth annual Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend Sept. 4-6. The weekend features activities for the whole family, including a Health & Fitness Expo, Mickey's Main Street, U.S.A. 5K, Kids' Races and the main event -- a 13.1-mile half marathon affectionately dubbed "The Happiest Race on Earth."

Participants from all 50 U.S. states and 13 countries are set to compete in weekend races. More than 13,500 are registered to participate in the Half Marathon Sept. 6, and 5,000 are registered in the Family 5K and Kids' Races Sept. 5.

The Disneyland Half Marathon features a course unlike any other in the world. Passing through the two Disneyland Resort theme parks - Disneyland and Disney's California Adventure - and the streets of Anaheim, participants will experience a race full of inspiration only Disney can provide. There are flaming cannons at the start, live entertainers along the route and Disney characters as cheerleaders. Many participants come dressed in costume, and some might even stop mid-race to pose with their favorite Disney characters.

"We've had tremendous success with the Disneyland Half Marathon, reaching capacity months before the race for the fourth year in a row, said Ed Grier, president of the Disneyland Resort. "In partnership with the City of Anaheim, we provide a unique and entertaining Half Marathon course, giving participants another reason to celebrate during this year's 'What Will You Celebrate?' initiative."

In 3 1/2 hours or less, runners will pass Disneyland icons such as Sleeping Beauty Castle and the Matterhorn, and Anaheim landmarks such as the Anaheim Convention Center, Honda Center and the Angel Stadium of Anaheim, before finally crossing the finish line in the Downtown Disney District.

The road race has become popular for its flat loop course and mild climate - ideal for personal best times. Hosted by the Disneyland Resort and the City of Anaheim, it reached registration capacity in July.

Half Marathon race finishers will earn a commemorative medal depicting Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland, one in a series of Disney race-specific medals. An estimated 1,751 runners are also eligible to earn a special medal for the second annual Disney's Coast to Coast Challenge Race.

To be eligible, runners must have completed the Walt Disney World Marathon, Half Marathon or Disney's Princess Half Marathon this year at Walt Disney World Resort near Orlando, Fla., in addition to completing the 2009 Disneyland Half Marathon. The Coast to Coast medal showcases the iconic statue of Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse (known as the Partners Statue).

The Anaheim Community Foundation (ACF) will receive a monetary donation as part of this year's race.

The Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend builds off the successful 16-year history of the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend held annually in January at Walt Disney World Resort. More than 225,000 runners, joggers and wheelchair athletes have successfully participated in the previous Walt Disney World Marathon Weekends.

To kick off the weekend, participants can check out the Health & Fitness Expo at the Disneyland Hotel starting Sept. 4. The two-day expo features information sessions on last-minute race tips and exhibits related to training, nutrition and the latest running equipment. Expo hours are 2 p.m.-8 p.m. Sept. 4 and 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Sept. 5.

The Half Marathon is just one of 11 weekend events that make up the Disney's Endurance Series, which gives recreational athletes of all ages and abilities the chance to walk, jog, run, bike and swim their way "around the world." From running marathons to road races and triathlons, participating athletes at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World compete to stay in shape, achieve personal-best times and raise donations for charitable causes.

Monday, August 24, 2009

Now this sounds like fun... the classic board game of Life, but played out in Disney Haunted Mansions from around the world -- our New England home, Disneyland's Southern mansion and Disneyland Paris's Old West Phantom Manor. (Tokyo Disneyland's Haunted Mansion looks like the Walt Disney World version.)

The game, cleverly subtitled "Welcome to the After-Life," debuted at Once Upon a Toy on Friday. How do you play? Well, according to our friends at Disney, you travel through the After-Life, encountering trials and tribulations. You may encounter a hitch-hiking ghost (or three) while you try to accumulate screams. You might even run into two mortals -- a very frightened Groundskeeper and his even more frightened dog. If you are the spirit to arrive at the Final Resting Place with the most accumulated screams, you become the 1,000the happy haunt at Master Gracey's mansion.

Disneylife

* The game board centers on extending the stories of the four stretch paintings found within the Haunted Mansion.

* Elements from inside and outside the mansions are tucked in with the game board. Look for the musical intstruments, the "Tomb Sweet Tomb" sign and the library busts, among others.

* The spinner is inspired by Mada Leota's table, complete with tarot cards, a melted candle and a raven ... who's watching you.

* The game also includes new elements not found in the parks' mansions ... but they would not be out of place at the Gracy estate.

Saturday, August 22, 2009

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., Aug. 20, 2009 – The Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund is expanding its circle of friends with Selena Gomez, Miley Cyrus, Demi Lovato and the Jonas Brothers lending their voices on a new song called “Send it On.“

The inspiring tune is part of Disney’s “Friends for Change: Project Green” which is a multiplatform initiative to encourage young people to help the planet by making small changes in their daily routines, such as reducing energy consumption and recycling items. Proceeds from the sale of the anthem, now available on iTunes, will benefit environmental charities through the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund.

So far, more than 350,000 kids have registered with “Friends for Change: Project Green” on Disney.com. Kids participating in the initiative have made their voices heard in determining how Disney should distribute the first installment of the $1 million that will be donated to environmental causes over the next year. As a result of their votes:

· $100,000 will help protect arctic wildlife including polar bears from the effects of climate change (implemented by Wildlife Conservation Society).

· $50,000 will be contributed to the Children's Forest in Los Angeles where kids can help plant new trees (implemented by the San Bernardino National Forest Association).

· $50,000 will help protect endangered tropical forests in the Philippines (implemented by Birdlife International and their partner, Haribon).

· $25,000 will be donated to help end deforestation and introduce fuel efficient stoves to protect local habitats in Rwanda (implemented by CHF International).

· $10,000 will help replant trees in wildfire-damaged Florida state forests (implemented by Arbor Day Foundation).

Disney's “Friends for Change” focuses on a key environmental theme each quarter. The program recently tackled “climate concerns” and is entering the "water" phase in which young people are asked to take simple actions to conserve the precious resource, such as turning off the water while brushing their teeth.

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., Aug. 21, 2009 – As summer break draws to a close, Walt Disney World Cast Members are lending a helping hand to deserving Central Florida students and teachers by giving them the right supplies to confidently start the upcoming school year. Stocking up on boxes of crayons, rulers, pencils, folders and packs of notebook paper, Disney Cast Members hit an all-time high by donating a record 654,012 school supplies through the annual back-to-school supply drive at Walt Disney World Resort.

"School supplies may seem so simple but they are so very important," says Eugene Campbell, vice president of Community Relations and Minority Business Development for Walt Disney World Resort. "I’m so proud that our kind and generous Cast Members recognize the need to give students all the tools necessary to achieve their very best during the school year. They’ve set a record for Disney’s contributions of school supplies to our community’s young students which is absolutely inspiring."

This week, more than 200 Disney VoluntEARS sorted the supplies and distributed them to local students and teachers through partnerships with non-profits S.T.A.R.S. (Supplies to Assist Our Students) and A Gift For Teaching. S.T.A.R.S. received a total of 392,138 in Disney-donated supplies which filled nearly 6,000 backpacks given to students at 19 Orange County public elementary schools. A total of 261,874 Disney-donated back-to-school items were given to teachers through the Free Store at A Gift For Teaching’s Orlando facility.

"The need for school supplies is greater than ever in Central Florida due to the economic times," says Chesta Hembrooke, President and Founder of S.T.A.R.S. "By donating the necessities for school, Disney is making a difference in the lives of thousands of young local students. For many, the backpacks are the only new item they receive."

S.T.A.R.S. has coordinated community donations of back-to-school supplies for public elementary school students in need since April 2003. Hembrooke believes that school supply donations, such as the one made by Disney Cast Members, go beyond just being tangible tools and make a significant impact toward a student’s future success. "New school supplies give children confidence on the first day of school so they can be on equal footing with everyone in their class," says Hembrooke.

In addition to the backpacks, the supplies that Disney VoluntEARS contributed to A Gift For Teaching represent the organization’s largest supply drive donation to its back-to-school PUSH campaign. The supplies will benefit students in Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties year-round through A Gift For Teaching’s Free Store for teachers.

"Every child should have the opportunity to learn equally and that starts by giving students and their teachers the supplies they need," said Jane Thompson, president of A Gift For Teaching. "Thanks to the donation of new school supplies by Cast Members of the Walt Disney World Resort, A Gift For Teaching’s shelves will be stocked with basics for months to come – giving approximately 148,000 of Central Florida’s most underprivileged students opportunities for creativity, learning, "fitting in" and being successful."

The back-to-school supply drive is one of many ways that Walt Disney World Resort actively supports education as part of its commitment toward building a better future for Central Florida’s children. Disney’s involvement in grade-school level education can be seen in charitable giving, classroom support and student recognition. Examples include:

* In 2008, Disney VoluntEARS helped Central Florida public schools by giving 15,005 hours toward activities ranging from serving on Parent/Teacher Association boards to assisting teachers in the classroom. * Disney VoluntEARS gave $63,350 to local public schools in 2008 through Disney’s Ears to You grants. * In March 2009, nearly 5,800 Walt Disney World Cast Members and Imagineers raised more than $261,700 in the Disney Bowl-A-Thon to benefit Junior Achievement; a non-profit that teaches children financial skills and awareness. Over the past 14 years, Walt Disney World Resort has raised more than $3.2 million for the organization. Disney VoluntEARS also teach Junior Achievement curriculum for grades K-12 in schools across Central Florida. * In 2008, Disney continued to be the primary sponsor of the A Gift For Music program with a $100,000 donation. A Gift For Music provides free music lessons to students who normally could not afford them. * To date, more than 11,000 exceptional Central Florida students have been recognized as Disney Dreamers and Doers.

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Ever wonder what it would be like to go onstage and perform like an American Idol?Kyle Grizzard, a guest visiting Disney's Hollywood Studios Park got the chance to find out.Watch as some seasoned Idol performers tell his story.

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., August 14, 2009 – Entrepreneur Magazine’s August issue names Orlando as one of the “Top 10 Best Cities to Start a Business” and gives kudos to the Disney Entrepreneur Center for its efforts in mentoring small-business owners and directing them to the right resources.

“We are unbelievably fortunate to have community leadership that is creative, open to partnerships, and willing to give a new idea or a new business an opportunity,” says Jerry Ross, executive director of the Disney Entrepreneur Center.

Founded in 2003, the Disney Entrepreneur Center is a one-of-a-kind resource available to any small business in Central Florida and provides access to a variety of business resources, technology, research tools and support organizations. Since its inception, the center has facilitated $125,000,000 in small business loans, coached and trained 70,000 businesses and assisted with 700 new business start-ups.

According to Ross, the secret to growth isn’t in luring companies from out of state but is taking care to cultivate what you already have through “economic gardening.”

To learn more about the Disney Entrepreneur Center, visit http://www.disneyec.com/.

(August 14, 2009 - Hong Kong) The first activity of Hong Kong Disneyland Resort’s new environmental protection program, the "Tree Care Program" took place today! Hong Kong Disneyland Resort presented the Po Lin Monastery on Lantau with several dozen trees to promote environmental protection and celebrate the inauguration of the "Tree Care Program". The event was hosted by Hong Kong Disneyland Resort Managing Director Andrew Kam and the superintendent of the Po Lin Monastery Sik Wang-Tung.

The trees presented by Hong Kong Disneyland Resort were chosen to complement the geographical features of the monastery and have been planted on the balcony opposite the Giant Buddha. “We are grateful for these precious trees, I believe that Hong Kong Disneyland Resort’s ‘Tree Care Program’ will contribute to environmental protection in Hong Kong, and will make the city a better place,” said the superintendent of the Po Lin Monastery Sik Wang-Tung.

“I am delighted that Hong Kong Disneyland Resort and the Po Lin Monastery, two key tourist destinations of Hong Kong, can work together on environmental protection and tree conservation,” said Kam, “Hong Kong Disneyland Resort is passionate about environmental protection and it plays a big part in how we operate our business. With a million trees and plants at the Resort, tree conservation is also important and it is one of the reasons that we have launched the ‘Tree Care Program’. It seems fitting that the first activity in the program is the donation of these trees.”

Hong Kong Disneyland Resort is dedicated to supporting a green environment. The “Tree Care Program” has been launched in order to share our resources with the community by organizing a series of green education and tree conservation activities, including tree appreciation for students, lectures by horticulturists and the donation of trees.

(August 15, 2009 – Hong Kong) The Walt Disney Company (Hong Kong) and Hong Kong Disneyland Resort today invited more than a hundred elderly people and their families to enjoy the new Disney•Pixar movie Up.

“Up has proved to be very popular among audiences of all ages. The main character Carl is an energetic elderly gentleman who fulfils his lifelong dream and there are lots of laughs along the journey in this touching story,” said Kam. “We all have dreams and we hope that this movie can encourage audiences to live with positivity and optimism. In many ways, I think it can also encourage us to truly appreciate the older members of our families.”

This activity was held in Whampoa, Kowloon and organized by The Walt Disney Company and Hong Kong Disneyland Resort in conjunction with UA Cinemas who provided the venue, and complimentary popcorn and drinks. Each participant was presented with a movie-themed souvenir. In the past four years, Disney VoluntEARS have worked with over 20 local charities to bring close to 3000 children and their families on fun days out to the cinemas.

About Disney Worldwide Outreach

The Walt Disney Company is dedicated to making the wishes of families and children a reality through public service initiatives, community outreach and volunteerism in the areas of compassion, learning, the arts and the environment. Through its community outreach programs, Disney brightens the lives of children and families through its many partnerships with local and international charities and non-profit organizations. To understand more about Disney Worldwide Outreach, please visit our website: www.DisneyWorldwideOutreach.com

Monday, August 17, 2009

August 15th & 16th, a quick look back at events on these days at this Orlando Florida theme park. Subscribe!! That way you'll never miss a day in history. Music: Spaceship Earth 1994 version, Cry...August 15th & 16th, a quick look back at events on these days at this Orlando Florida theme park.

Cathy from the Walt Disney World Moms Panel (disneyworldmoms.com) takes her first flight aboard Characters in Flight, the tethered helium balloon that takes Walt Disney World guests up to 400 feet above the Downtown Disney waterfront.

Part 1 of 5. A Travel Channel special on the collaborative team behind some of the Walt Disney Company's greatest achievements including Audio Animatronics, motion simulator moving vehicles, and of course the plethora of theme parks. Explore Disney World's most popular attractions, including the Pirates of the Caribbean, Splash Mountain, and the Tower of Terror. See how it all started, where hey are now, and where they are going to be in the future.

Friday, August 14, 2009

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., August 13, 2009 – As school-age children enjoy their last days of summer break, Walt Disney World Cast Members have been gearing up for the upcoming school year by shopping for new supplies for deserving Central Florida students.

“Kids don’t like to be different or feel left out,” says Cheryl Nathan-Weiner, a Disney Cast Member who volunteered to be a Back-to-School Drive coordinator for her work team. “I’ve always been fortunate enough to buy school supplies for my own child but I think about the kids who don’t have those advantages. It’s a great feeling knowing I can help them start the school year with the classroom essentials.”

Stocking up on boxes of crayons, rulers, pencils and notebooks, Disney Cast have bought and donated hundreds of thousands of school supplies over the last two weeks through Walt Disney World Resort’s annual Back-to-School Supply Drive. By August 21, the items will be sorted and distributed to local students and teachers through partnerships with A Gift for Teaching and S.T.A.R.S. (Supplies to Assist Our Students). Some of the supplies will fill backpacks en route to nearly 20 Orange County public elementary schools; others will line the shelves of the Free Store at A Gift for Teaching’s Orlando facility. All of the materials will go to good use.

“The need for school supplies is greater than ever in Central Florida due to the economic times,” says Chesta Hembrooke, S.T.A.R.S. coordinator. “By donating the necessities for school, Disney is making a difference in the lives of thousands of young local students. They are giving these children confidence on the first day of school so they can be on equal footing with everyone in their class.”

In 2008, Cast Members donated 460,000 new school supplies that filled 6,805 backpacks and delivered them to nearly 20 Orange County public schools. VoluntEARS also contributed an additional 303,000 supplies to A Gift for Teaching.

Part 1 of 6. An in depth look into the very popular thrill attractions at the Walt Disney World Resort. Watch as America's Thrillmakers take 6 guests and test them on Disney's array of thrill rides. Learn Imagineer's secrets, guest reviews of attractions and, most importantly, what exactly makes a thrill ride. "Hang on to yer hats and glasses, cause this here's the wildest ride in the wilderness!"

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Its been 40 years since the Grim Grinning Ghosts first opened their doors and invited guests into the Haunted Mansion at Disneyland. Take a look back to the beginning with Walt and the Imagineers who created the beloved attraction. From stretching rooms to hitch hiking ghosts the 999 Happy Haunts never disappoint and always invite guests to hurry back!

A performer at Walt Disney World died Monday, days after he was injured during a show at the Magic Kingdom.

Mark Priest was performing Thursday in a "Pirate Tutorial," an interactive show in which actors lead guests through a series of "pirate skills" tests. Priest fell and broke his neck, according to colleagues, and he had been hospitalized since the accident.

Disney said it was not given any indication that the injuries Priest suffered in the initial accident were life-threatening. But the resort said it contacted both the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the Orange County Sheriff's Office after learning of his death.

"Today, we are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our fellow cast member," Disney spokeswoman Kim Prunty said. "Our hearts go out to his family and fellow cast members, and we are offering our support to them during this difficult time."

A deputy sheriff is being sent to Disney this evening to take an initial report on the incident, spokeswoman Cpl. Susan Soto said.

Monday, August 10, 2009

(Hong Kong, August 10 2009) A dark force is returning to Hong Kong Disneyland with a vengeance from September 18 to October 31. Nobody knows the origin of this dark force but when it arrives mysterious incidents occur, causing a series of mysterious happenings such as ghostly souls lurking in the Main Street Haunted Hotel and explorers going missing in Demon Jungle…

For those adventurous guests who dare to brave the new “Alien Invasion” to investigate its true nature, the Park is offering special Evening Tickets beginning at $228 per Guest. Guests will be able to enjoy a spine-thrilling experience at the Park from 6:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

Hong Kong Disneyland Haunted Halloween Evening Tickets can be purchased from August 11 onwards through the following channels: the Ticket Booths at the Main Entrance of the Hong Kong Disneyland Park, the front desks of the Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel and Disney’s Hollywood Hotel, the Hong Kong Disneyland Ticket Express at MTR Hong Kong Station and the Hong Kong Disneyland Ticketing Booth at the Peak Tower. Evening Tickets will also be available for purchase at selected Circle K outlets starting September 1 and online at www.hongkongdisneyland.com beginning September 3.

Hong Kong Disneyland Haunted Halloween Ticket Prices

One Day Tickets Adult HK$ 350Child (age 3-11) HK$ 250

Senior (65 or above) HK$ 170

Validity: Only valid for one visit on any day within 6 months from the date ticket is issuedTime: Valid only during park hours.

Plans to build a Disneyland in this eastern city are yet to be approved by the central government, despite Disney and local authorities reaching a broad consensus on the theme park.

The municipal government has kept close watch on the theme park project, said Liu Zhengyi, the newly elected vice-head of Shanghai's Pudong New Area.

However, the "very important tourism project" has yet to get the nod from top authorities, and the local government does not have the authority to approve it.

The investment in the theme park could reach tens of billions of yuan, the Pudong's head Jiang Liang said on Saturday.

The official's comments were similar to what Robert A. Iger, president and CEO of the Walt Disney Company, said in May during a quarterly earnings report announcement that the company was waiting for a response from the Chinese government.

The Walt Disney company could not be reached for comment Sunday.

In this January, a Wall Street Journal report said the United States-based entertainment giant was working with the Shanghai government to construct a $3.5-billion ($512 million) theme park, in which Disney planned to hold a 43 percent stake.

The report said the project is estimated to be built by 2014 and will be situated on the east bank of Shanghai's Huangpu River, bordering Chuansha town of the 1,210-sq-km Pudong New Area.

Speculation of a Disneyland in Shanghai has been circulating for years and previous media reports said 10 sq km of land has been reserved for the resort.

Friday, August 7, 2009

(AUG. 6, 2009): Tony Award winner Anika Noni Rose (left), who provides the voice of Disney's newest princess, Tiana, in the upcoming Walt Disney Pictures animated feature film "The Princess and the Frog," poses with the new Princess Tiana character (right) as she will soon appear at Disneyland Resort in California and Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. Thursday night's event marked the very first public appearance of the Princess Tiana theme park character and took place during the 2009 National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) Annual Convention in Tampa, Fla. In addition, Rose performed a song from the film for convention-goers. "The Princess and the Frog" film will premiere in theaters nationwide Dec. 11, 2009. (Matt Stroshane, photographer)

FOR DISNEY'S "FRIENDS FOR CHANGE: PROJECT GREEN," WILL DEBUT ON RADIO DISNEY, DISNEY CHANNEL, DISNEY.COM AND iTUNES

A Special Programming Event,

"Lights, Camera, Take Action! Backstage with Disney's Friends for Change,"

Premieres Friday, August 28 on Disney Channel

-- Over 350,000 Kids Have Registered and Pledgedto Make a Positive Environmental Impact at Disney.com--

Burbank, Calif, August 6, 2009 - "Send it On," the inspiring anthem for Disney's "Friends for Change: Project Green," performed by Miley Cyrus, Jonas Brothers, Selena Gomez and Demi Lovato, will debut FRIDAY, AUGUST 7 on Radio Disney and will be available TUESDAY, AUGUST 11 on iTunes, itunes.com/disneyfriendsforchange, for .99 cents with all proceeds benefitting environmental charities through the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund. The "Send it On" music video premieres FRIDAY, AUGUST 14 on Disney Channel, and SATURDAY, AUGUST 15 on Disney.com and the ABC Television Network.

A half-hour special programming event, "Lights, Camera, Take Action! Backstage with Disney's Friends for Change," taking viewers behind the scenes during production of the campaign, will premiere FRIDAY, AUGUST 28 immediately following "Wizards of Waverly Place The Movie" (8:00 p.m., ET/PT) on Disney Channel.

Over 350,000 kids have registered at www.Disney.com/projectgreen, each pledging to join young people across the country to make small changes in their daily routines, including recycling and reducing energy consumption. If the kids who have already reported back on their progress keep up with their pledges over the next year, a potential 38 million pounds of carbon dioxide will be prevented from polluting the atmosphere - the equivalent of taking 3164 cars off the road every day for a year.

Kids participating in Friends for Change have also made their voices heard in determining how Disney should distribute the first installment of the more than $1 million that will be donated to environmental causes over the next year. As a result of their votes:

· $100,000 will help protect arctic wildlife, including polar bears, from the effects of climate change (to be implemented by Wildlife Conservation Society)· $50,000 will be contributed to the Children's Forest in Los Angeles, where kids can help plant new trees (to be implemented by San Bernardino National Forest Association)· $50,000 will help protect endangered tropical forests in the Philippines (to be implemented by Birdlife International and its partner, Haribon)· $25,000 will be donated to help end deforestation and introduce fuel efficient stoves to protect local habitats in Rwanda (to be implemented by CHF International)· $25,000 will go towards helping end the deforestation in Central Mexico's Oyamel forest (to be implemented by ECOLIFE Foundation)· $10,000 will help replant trees in wildfire-damaged Florida state forests (to be implemented by Arbor Day Foundation)

Disney's Friends for Change focuses on a key environmental theme each quarter, beginning with "climate," which recently concluded. As the program enters the "water" phase, kids are being asked to take simple actions to conserve the precious resource, such as turning off the water while brushing their teeth, and will help decide where to donate the next round of charitable funds. To learn more and get started, visit www.Disney.com/projectgreen.

Disney's Friends for Change: Project Green is a multiplatform initiative that helps kids help the planet. Through the program, kids can learn practical ways to help the environment, get their friends involved, track their collective impact and have the opportunity to help Disney decide how $1 million in donations to various environmental causes will be made over the course of a year. Kids can join online at www.Disney.com/projectgreen, where they'll pledge to take simple everyday actions, such as turning off the lights and switching to reusable water bottles, and find out more about why these actions matter.

Disney will direct 100% of the proceeds from "Send it On" to environmental charities through the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund (DWCF). More information about DWCF's efforts for wildlife, wild places and the people linked to their survival, is available at www.disney.com/conservation. DWCF is a Disney initiative to support conservation and animal welfare and is not a US 501(c)(3) public charity.

Disney Channel is a 24-hour kid-driven, family inclusive television network that taps into the world of kids and families through original series and movies. Currently available on basic cable and satellite in over 97 million U.S. homes and to millions of other viewers on Disney Channels around the world, Disney Channel is part of the Disney-ABC Television Group.

Dory is one of 10 sea turtles participating in Tour de Turtles: A Sea Turtle Migration Marathon hosted by the Caribbean Conservation Corporation (CCC). The program is designed to spotlight the challenges facing sea turtles, with each participant representing a “cause” or threat to sea turtle survival.

Released from Disney’s Vero Beach Resort, Dory’s mission is to raise awareness of the effects of light pollution. Since sea turtle hatchlings rely on moonlight to find their way to the ocean, many become disoriented and drawn off-course by artificial light sources.

Ironically, Disney conservation biologists chose to name this sea turtle Dory after the often-disoriented, blue-colored regal tang fish from the Disney-Pixar movie, Finding Nemo. In this case, Dory the sea turtle had no trouble finding her way to the sea.

Researchers from Disney’s Animal Programs and CCC will track the chosen sea turtles by satellite technology during the next few months as they travel from their nesting sites to unknown feeding grounds. Through satellite technology, scientists may discover more about sea turtle habits at sea and identify migratory patterns that may hold the key to their survival. This knowledge helps researchers, conservationists and governing agencies make more informed decisions about sea turtle conservation methods and policies.

Each year, approximately 50,000 sea turtles come ashore in Florida each year, making it one of the most fertile nesting areas in the United States. Sea turtles are among the oldest creatures on earth and have remained essentially unchanged for 110 million years.

In the United States, as much as 90 percent of sea turtle nesting occurs in Florida, which serves as home base for several species of endangered and threatened sea turtles. Yet with as few as one out of 1,000 hatchlings surviving to adulthood, scientists are still trying to learn more about these mysterious creatures of the sea.

Audiences worldwide will be able to view the sea turtles’ progress online at www.tourdeturtles.org and watch the marathon unfold. Using an interactive, multimedia Web site, Tour de Turtles offers audiences everywhere the opportunity to learn about threats to sea turtles and follow their legendary migrations, while simultaneously conducting vital research.

Disneyland and Walt Disney World plan to add a Mardi Gras-style musical cavalcade called Tiana’s Showboat Jubilee for the 2009 holiday season, according to theme park officials.

The jazz-infused “riverboat extravaganza” will debut at Disney World on Oct. 26 and Disneyland on Nov. 6. Both shows will run through Jan. 3.

Tied to the upcoming “The Princess and the Frog” hand-drawn animated movie, Tiana’s Showboat Jubilee will feature a procession of jazzy musicians and performers parading through New Orleans Square at Disneyland and Frontierland at Disney World.

As the “second-line” procession reaches the Rivers of America dock, a group of pre-selected theme park visitors will board the waiting riverboat (the Mark Twain at Disneyland and the Liberty Belle at Disney World) where Princess Tiana and other “The Princess and the Frog” characters will greet them.

After departing, the riverboat will stop along the riverfront for a performance including songs from the film. The show will be repeated several times a day, with viewing areas along the waterfront.

Mice Age reports that the pre-selected riverboat riders will be able to pose for photos and get autographs from Princess Tiana, Prince Naveen and Louis the singing alligator after the performance.

“The Princess and the Frog,” a Jazz Age story featuring Disney’s first African American princess and set in New Orleans’ French Quarter, opens in theaters Dec. 11

Seeking Male Vocalists for Tiana’s Showboat Jubilee!, a colorful, vibrant riverboat extravaganza featuring songs and music from the jazz-filled world of Walt Disney Pictures’ newest animated release The Princess and the Frog.

Disney Entertainment Productions is seeking energetic Parade Performers for Tiana’s Showboat Jubilee!, a colorful, vibrant riverboat extravaganza featuring songs and music from the jazz-filled world of Walt Disney Pictures’ newest animated release The Princess and the Frog.

Rehearsals begin early October; show opens November 6

Requirements:

* Applicants must be at least 18 years of age * Wear non-restrictive clothing; tennis or dance shoes are required * Current Disneyland® Resort Cast Members should bring a completed and approved transfer application * New applicants are encouraged to complete a job application prior to the audition date by visiting the Casting Center at Team Disney Anaheim or by going to www.disneyland.jobs and clicking on "Apply" on the left-hand sidebar * This audition may last a full day; bring snacks or money for vending

Seeking Vocalists for Tiana’s Showboat Jubilee!, a colorful, vibrant riverboat extravaganza featuring songs and music from the jazz-filled world of Walt Disney Pictures’ newest animated release The Princess and the Frog.

Rehearsals begin Oct 16; show runs Nov 6 - Jan 3.

Entertainers for this show are covered under the terms and conditions of a collective bargaining agreement with the American Guild of Variety Artists (AGVA).

Roles:

Princess Tiana: Female, African American, portrays age 19, 5’5”-5’8”, slender build, large eyes; Alto with a mix; heroine of The Princess and the Frog

Thursday, August 6, 2009

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., Aug. 5, 2009 – Led by Disney’s Animal Programs, an international coalition of veterinarians from conservation groups, zoos, universities and private industry have returned from Africa after effectively sterilizing seven bull elephants in Swaziland’s Big Game Parks.

As a result of this effort, Swaziland wildlife officials will be able to better manage the elephant population in wildlife parks and reserves over the next decade.

Elephant overpopulation in wildlife parks and reserves in Swaziland and other southern Africa countries is a growing concern that can have devastating effects on the natural habitat as well as other animal species that live there. Wildlife officials in several countries are considering culling elephants in order to control the population growth. One of the ways to address this concern is with an innovative population management tool developed by an international veterinary team to help save habitat without harming elephants.

“Surgical vasectomy helps reduce elephant birth rates, while maintaining normal hormone levels and common elephant social behaviors,” according to veterinarian Dr. Mark Stetter, director of Animal Health at Disney’s Animal Programs. ”With this procedure, we’re pleased to help wildlife officials in Africa balance the need to provide quality elephant care with an eye toward sustaining the ecosystem for other native animals.”

In July 2004, this team of experts performed the first ever sterilization of free-ranging elephants. In 2005, the group began its work with bull elephants and started developing laparoscopic vasectomy techniques for sterilizing males in the wild. During the last four years, the team has sterilized 24 bull elephants at a variety of locations including Welgevonden Wildlife Reserve, Songimvelo Wildlife Reserve, Pongola Game Reserve and Swaziland’s Big Game Parks.

During this most recent trip, the international team helped teach the procedure to veterinarians from the South African National Parks Board and the University of Pretoria Onderstepoort Veterinary Hospital, enabling local experts to perform the surgery when necessary. Developing regional expertise is critical to the long-term success of the program.

“As an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), Disney’s Animal Programs is committed to pioneering creative solutions to problems facing all wildlife by using the technology and tools available to address conservation and wildlife issues,” said Stetter.

Elephants are unique among most mammals since their testes are internal and require abdominal surgery to perform a vasectomy, making the relatively simple procedure much more complex to conduct on elephants in the wild.

This innovative procedure involves state-of-the-art medical equipment specifically developed for this project and scaled from human to elephant proportions. The elephant laparoscopic equipment was built by KARL STORZ at their headquarters in Germany.

Laparoscopic surgery allows the surgeon to view the internal organs on a monitor and use long thin instruments to perform the surgery. With this type of minimally invasive surgery, the risk of infection is greatly diminished, procedure time is significantly reduced and post-operative discomfort is minimized.

This coalition, along with Swazi elephant behavioral researchers, will monitor the elephant populations over the next several years as part of a long term behavioral study investigating potential changes in elephant behavior associated with this population management plan.

This international collaborative effort brings together conservation groups, universities and private industry including Disney's Animal Programs, Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, the San Diego Zoo’s Wild Animal Park, Smithsonian's National Zoological Park, KARL STORZ, Catchco Africa Specialized Wildlife Capture, the Veterinary College at the Onderstepoort campus of the University of Pretoria and Swaziland’s Big Game Parks to address this complex problem.

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -Cirque du Soleil is offering a special price to Florida residents on tickets to La Nouba in honor of the company’s 25th anniversary. Between Aug. 18 and Oct. 3, local guests can celebrate this milestone when they buy one ticket to La Nouba, they can bring a friend for $25 (see restrictions).

Cirque du Soleil is commemorating its anniversary in 2009 with the theme “the dream continues.” Since June 16, 1984, this ambitious company has never stopped dreaming, daring, and pushing the limits of the imagination. There has never been a better time to dream than this summer!

On June 16, 2009, La Nouba celebrated the 25th anniversary of Cirque du Soleil with a stilt-walk at Downtown Disney. More than 1,900 cast, crew and fans participated in their respective simultaneous events around the globe. The celebrations continue at La Nouba with the recent 5,000th performance, the upcoming 7 millionth guest and the annual ringing-in of the New Year, Cirque-style. Log onto www.facebook.com/lanouba for additional commemorative activities as they continue throughout the year.

TICKET INFORMATION The Florida resident ‘buy one, bring a friend for $25’ offer is valid with the purchase of one regular-price adult Category 2 ticket at $83 (plus tax), and is available at the box office or by calling 407/WDW-SEAT. This offer is on sale starting Aug. 4 for shows from Aug. 18 through Oct. 3 (there are no performances Sept. 20-28). The tickets must be purchased in pairs for the same performance. The discount applies to Category 2 tickets only. Proof of Florida residency is required. Tickets are subject to availability and restrictions apply. This offer is not valid for previously purchased tickets, gift certificates, or with any other discounts.

ABOUT CIRQUE DU SOLEIL From a group of 20 street performers at its beginning in 1984, Cirque du Soleil is now a major Quebec-based organization providing high-quality artistic entertainment. The company has more than 4,000 employees from over 40 different countries, including 1,000 performing artists. Cirque du Soleil has brought wonder and delight to almost 90 million spectators in over 200 cities on five continents. In 2009, Cirque du Soleil will present 20 shows simultaneously throughout the world. For more information, visit the Cirque du Soleil Web site at www.cirquedusoleil.com.

Disney Creative Entertainment is joining up with the Broadway writing team of Hunter Bell and Jeff Bowen (Title of Show) as well as Seattle based director Allison Narver, choreographer Karma Camp and musical director Ben Cohn, for the original company (Title, TBD) of our newest high-seas spectacular onboard the luxurious Disney Magic®. Sailing the Caribbean, the Mediterranean and the Baltic Seas, including the exciting ports of Barcelona, Naples, Cannes, Oslo, St. Petersburg and Copenhagen; one-year contracts begin October 2009.

Disney Cruise Line hires a Repertory company of 19 performers to perform in each of our three musical theatre style shows including Twice Charmed and the award winning Disney Dreams. Contracts include competitive pay, room and board, guest sailing privileges, additional benefits package, and no cruise staff duties.

Audition Location:

Chelsea Studios151 West 26th Street - 5th floorNew York, NY10001

Sign-in: 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM

Seeking the following roles:

HADES - Smart, funny, quick, imposing, must be able to command audience and morph from talk show host, to lounge-y telethon host, to bad Lord of the Underworld with ease, wit, humor and style. Must be a natural at improve. Rock-tenor to 'A'. Should have a solid mid- to low- sound to his voice and be comfortable singing down to a low 'G'.

PAIN/PANIC –Played by 2 actors. Great comic character actors with incredible timing. Goofy and sweet. Plays well with others. Tenors to a 'G#/A

DR. FACILIER/JAFAR - African-American, bass/baritone. Dr. Facilier is the new villain in the upcoming “The Princess and the Frog.” 1920s New Orleans conjuror; both charming and sinister; a real showman. Jafar is pompous but dangerous and powerful. But in this show he reveals his softer side and sings “Wind Beneath My Wings” Tall and skinny. Smooth.. High range- 'E'. Boom-y, powerful sound - ideally with both legit and pop capabilities.

CAPTAIN HOOK/KRONK - Hook is a forced to be reckoned with and will have order on his ship. Kronk: Big, muscled, sweet, not the sharpest tool in the shed but you gotta love him. Yzma’s loyal and confused sidekick. Tenor or bari-tenor to 'A'. Clean sound- good control over vibrato. Good pop sound, but also with legit ability. Low range- 'A'.

CRUELLA DE VIL/ MALEFICENT - Long thin gorgeous diva with a great bellowing laugh. Must be able to command the space with her body, long cigarette, and feel at home yelling “DARLING!” Good all-around singer, strong pop mix/belt to 'F'. Soprano to 'A' or 'B'. Clear low range to 'F

QUEEN OF HEARTS/ URSULA – Round, imposing, great physical comedienne. Flips from sweet to insane in an instant. Actress must not be afraid to be larger than life and take big physical and vocal risks. At total ease working the crowd. Fearless yet flirty. Strong belter to 'D'.

Disney Creative Entertainment is joining up with the Broadway writing team of Hunter Bell and Jeff Bowen (Title of Show) as well as Seattle based director Allison Narver, choreographer Karma Camp and musical director Ben Cohn, for the original company (Title, TBD) of our newest high-seas spectacular onboard the luxurious Disney Magic®. Sailing the Caribbean, the Mediterranean and the Baltic Seas, including the exciting ports of Barcelona, Naples, Cannes, Oslo, St. Petersburg and Copenhagen; one-year contracts begin October 2009.

Disney Cruise Line hires a Repertory company of 19 performers to perform in each of our three musical theatre style shows including Twice Charmed and the award winning Disney Dreams. Contracts include competitive pay, room and board, guest sailing privileges, additional benefits package, and no cruise staff duties.

Audition Location:

Chelsea Studios151 West 26th Street - 5th floorNew York, NY10001

Sign-in: 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Seeking the following roles:

Disney Character Performers: Character performers appear as costumed Disney Characters and as Character Look-alikes in our mainstage productions as well as in meet and greets on board the ships. Females: 4'8" - 5'8"; Males: 5'1" - 5'3" (for the role of Peter Pan) and 6' - 6'2".

An animation and movement combination will be taught.

Requirements:

* Applicants must be at least 18 years of age.

* All applicants will be taught a movement routine. Please wear comfortable clothes and shoes. No sandals or flip-flops.